German container shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has cautioned that a full recovery of shipping operations in the Gulf region will take several weeks despite the recent U.S.-Iran ceasefire, as ongoing instability continues to disrupt global supply chains.
Chief executive Rolf Habben Jansen said the situation remains “very fluid,” with the conflict still severely impacting shipping networks and logistics flows. While the ceasefire has raised hopes of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the company expects normal operations to take up to 6–8 weeks to resume once conditions stabilize.
Hapag-Lloyd indicated it may cautiously restart bookings to select Gulf destinations if the truce holds, but only on a limited basis and subject to security assurances. Industry-wide hesitation persists, with major carriers unwilling to fully resume transit without clear guarantees of safe passage.
The financial impact of the crisis continues to mount. The company estimates additional costs of $50–$60 million per week due to higher fuel prices, insurance premiums, rerouting, and operational disruptions—an increase from earlier estimates. These costs are likely to be partially passed on to customers through surcharges and rate adjustments.
Around 1,000 vessels remain stranded or delayed in the region, reflecting the scale of disruption across global shipping networks. Even with the ceasefire in place, insurers warn that war-risk premiums and operational uncertainties will remain elevated, limiting any immediate rebound in trade flows.
The crisis highlights how geopolitical tensions in key maritime chokepoints can have prolonged ripple effects across global trade. For now, shipping lines—including Hapag-Lloyd—are prioritizing caution, with a gradual and uneven recovery expected in Gulf shipping activity.
